Chinese Cooking Wine Guide: Shaoxing vs Rice Wine Explained

Introduction

If you have ever tried to cook a Chinese recipe and found yourself confused by the various types of cooking wine, you are not alone. Shaoxing wine, rice wine, mirin—what is the difference? This comprehensive guide will help you understand Chinese cooking wines and elevate your dishes.

What is Chinese Cooking Wine?

Chinese cooking wine is an essential ingredient in authentic Chinese cuisine. Made from fermented rice, wheat, or millet, it adds depth, removes gamey odors from meat, and enhances the overall flavor profile of dishes.

Shaoxing Wine: The King of Chinese Cooking Wines

What is Shaoxing Wine?

Shaoxing wine (绍兴酒) is a type of huangjiu (yellow wine) from Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. It is aged for years, developing a complex, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. It is the most commonly used cooking wine in Chinese cuisine.

Best Uses:

Braised dishes (红焖肉)
Stir-fries (宫保鸡丁)
Marinades for meat
Dumpling fillings

Shaoxing vs Rice Wine

Feature	Shaoxing Wine	Regular Rice Wine
Color	Amber/Dark	Clear/Light
Flavor	Rich, nutty, complex	Mild, slightly sweet
Aging	Aged 1-10+ years	Minimal aging
Best For	Braising, marinades	Light stir-fries, seafood

Can You Substitute Shaoxing Wine?

If you cannot find Shaoxing wine, here are some substitutes:

Dry sherry - Closest flavor match
Japanese sake - Lighter but works well
Dry white wine - In a pinch
Rice wine (mijiu) - Lighter flavor, use slightly more

Avoid: Cooking rice wine with added salt (found in some supermarkets) as it can make dishes too salty.

Mirin: The Japanese Sweet Rice Wine

Mirin is sweeter and lower in alcohol than Shaoxing wine. It is used in Japanese cuisine for glazes and teriyaki sauce. While you can substitute it in some Chinese recipes, reduce the sugar in your recipe accordingly.

Top 5 Recipes Using Chinese Cooking Wine

1. Red Braised Pork (红烧肉)

The classic Shanghainese dish that relies on Shaoxing wine for its rich, savory flavor.

2. Drunken Chicken (醉鸡)

A cold appetizer where chicken is poached and marinated in Shaoxing wine.

3. Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)

A splash of cooking wine in the marinade removes any gamey taste from the chicken.

4. Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions

A light rice wine enhances the delicate flavor of fresh fish.

5. Dumpling Filling

Adding cooking wine to pork or beef dumpling filling removes any unpleasant odors.

Storage Tips

Store in a cool, dark place
Once opened, keep refrigerated
Properly stored, it can last 1-2 years

Conclusion

Understanding Chinese cooking wines is the key to authentic Chinese cooking. Shaoxing wine is your best all-purpose choice, while lighter rice wines work well for delicate dishes. Keep a bottle in your pantry, and your stir-fries, braises, and marinades will never be the same!

Ready to cook? Check out our recipe collection for authentic Chinese dishes that use these essential ingredients.